Master of Finance
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1.5 years or Part-time equivalent, Full-time 1 year -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
AU$37,440 (2022 annual)
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years or 1.5 years acceleratedLocation
Melbourne City
Overview
Your career in finance
Master of Finance graduates are equipped with the skills and practical knowledge required to excel in the finance sector, in corporate roles and within the public sector.
Shape what's next for your career in banking and finance
Banking and finance sectors are discovering new frontiers in technological innovation. Seize your opportunities for career progression in banking and finance with a qualification from RMIT.
There is an increasing demand in the finance industry for digital literacy, business analytics and innovation, as well as a severe shortage of coding and programming skills in the finance and investment management industries. RMIT is adapting to market demand for graduates with the ability to innovate.
The Master of Finance is quantitatively oriented and provides both depth and breadth in finance, and will enhance your analytical and problem-solving abilities and develop your understanding of the principles of finance. As a student of this degree, you will explore finance, financial modelling, econometrics, trading, research and the analysis of financial markets. Your subjects use market data in real-time trading simulations and workshops for multi-asset portfolio and risk analysis, hedging, money market and foreign exchange instruments trading of all of which are conducted at real-time market rates. This transformative approach prepares graduates for life and work.
Details
RMIT Trading Facility
Discover the RMIT Trading Facility, the only one of its type in Australia and one of the largest tertiary-based facilities in the world. Students benefit from our partnership with Thomson Reuters and Eikon Financial Markets Software to ensure they develop work-ready skills using industry-standard tools.
Study on-campus
Most subjects are presented in regular 3-hour classes, together with some periods of intensive teaching at the Melbourne City campus.
Intensive teaching may involve classes over a number of Saturdays per subject in any semester, although two Saturdays per subject should be regarded as normal. A detailed teaching timetable will be available at the commencement of each semester.
Ongoing assessment throughout a subject may include essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, quizzes and tests, blog journals, practical assignments and examinations.
RMIT Trading Facility
You will simulate trading in money and foreign exchange markets using the RMIT Trading Facility, the only one of its type in Australia and one of the largest tertiary-based facilities in the world. You will trade with a live market data feed from Refinitiv Eikon, which is one of the most comprehensive databases of real-time and time-series data of global financial markets widely used by industry practitioners. You will experience first-hand what professionals in the world’s leading banks and investment firms do with the same tools and information to analyse news, data and conduct market research.
Workshops and seminars
You will benefit from the dynamic design and delivery of the course which includes classroom teaching, opportunities for research and collaborative research projects, simulations in RMIT’s custom-built trading facility, and opportunities for deep engagement with contemporary issues in finance and related industries through seminars and workshops.
You will undertake problem-based learning, whichis designed to engage you in analytical thinking, research and provision of solutions using real-world case studies.
Guiding the development of the College of Business, both nationally and internationally, is an Industry Advisory Board of high-profile executives. The Board creates a strategic bridge between the latest in technology and design thinking and business.
In addition, the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Advisory Board consists of high-profile industry representatives who ensure the School's links with industry standards and practice remain current.
Industry experts are invited as guest lecturers to expose you to current industry developments in finance. The School also extends links with industry by appointing adjunct professors from time to time who are selected based on their industry achievements.
Work-connected and industry-relevant options available for this course include:
- Working in a student team as part of the Fastrack Innovation Program. In this elective subject you will work with mentors to develop and present a solution to a real problem. This form of fast-prototyping is designed so that external organisations can tap into fresh thinking from RMIT students.
- A Business Internship elective where you take up a position for one or two days per week for one semester. This position is normally unpaid and is designed to develop your soft skills and increase your overall employability upon graduation.
Students in this degree also have the opportunity to participate in industry-led competitions.
RMIT Finance Trading Competition
The RMIT Finance Trading Competition allows Economics and Finance (both undergraduate and postgraduate) students in the EFM test out their trading skills in the financial markets in the competition. The competition is a unique experience for students and is held in the state-of-the-art RMIT trading facility. Students gain real world trading experience in our state-of-the art trading room, have fun, work as a team and gain professional development skills. The competition is sponsored by industry partner Refinitiv, a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group.
CFA Institute Research Challenge
Each year the Chartered Financial Analysts' Institute (CFA) runs its CFA Research Challenge where teams of finance students from universities all over the world test out their financial analytical skills in competition.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. Students are tested on their analytical, valuation, report writing, and presentation skills. They gain real-world experience as they assume the role of a research analyst.
Global Intensives are a unique feature of this degree. You can enhance your learning experience by combining an overseas travel and cultural experience with coursework completed in intensive mode and have this credited towards your degree as a general elective. They typically depart during the Australian summer or winter vacations and are usually undertaken in the final semester of the master degree.
If you are planning to include a study tour, you are advised to check that you have the required number of student electives or credit points available.
Other global mobility options available include:
- 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing*)
- 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (without advanced standing)
* Students who are granted advanced standing, and who undertake subjects in all scheduled teaching periods may be able to complete the course in 12–16 months.
For further information about advanced standing see Credits and Masters exemptions.
Depending on your previous studies and experience you could also be eligible for credit towards your course. Credit granted may reduce the amount of study you need to complete.
For more information please see RMIT’s credit transfer and recognition of prior learning policy.
- 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing)
- 2 years full-time (without advanced standing)
For further information about advanced standing see Credits and Masters exemptions.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
View the learning outcomes for each stream:
This degree comprises 14 core subjects and two general elective subjects (or 11 core and 1 elective with advanced standing). There are a range of finance and economics-related elective subjects available or students may take any approved postgraduate elective from within RMIT.
Features
- In the final stage of this degree you will undertake a substantial research project. You will be required to identify a current finance research issue and demonstrate your ability to interact with industry, complete an activity in a work context, and work in a multidisciplinary team.
- Explore a complex problem, and test and evaluate potential solutions with industry and community stakeholders in the subject Fixed Income Securities and Credit Analysis, which is the designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) subject in this degree. This subject will provide you with opportunities to apply your academic skills to a work-based context via simulated trading.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC201
Career
Graduates may work in the financial sector or in the treasury/finance functions of large or small corporations. Many move into high-demand positions like financial investment advisors and managers, financial brokers and fund managers. These are all positions with strong future growth, as projected by the Australian Government’s Job Outlook.
Job roles can include:
- banker
- credit manager
- financier
- financial analyst
- financial controller
- finance director
- fund manager
- treasurer
- stockbroker
- working capital specialist.
According to Job Outlook in 2021, a common salary for a finance manager or consultant in Australia is between $120,000 and $140,000 per year.
Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.
Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.
Statutory accreditation
This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.
Membership
Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.
Master of Finance
Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.
CFA Institute
Course satisfies the requirements for the University Affiliation Program.
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible to apply for a CFA Institute scholarship
- Students may be eligibel for Regular or Affiliate membership
- Graduates may be eligible for Regular or Affiliate membership
Visit the CFA Institute website
Financial Services Institute of Australia (FINSIA)
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible for membership category: Student
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Affiliate
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Associate (require 3+ years experience)
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Senior Associate (require 5+ years experience)
Visit the Financial Services Institute of Australia website
Finance and Treasury Association (FTA)
Membership and opportunities
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Certified Finance and Treasury Professional
Visit the Finance and Treasury Association website
Admissions
- An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution completed within the last 10 years; or
- An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution completed within the last 10 years and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience*; or
- The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Finance^.
* Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).
^Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master degree.
2 year duration
You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline.
1.5 year duration
You must have successfully completed:
An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in Business (or a related discipline).
OR
An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience*.
* Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).
1 year duration
You must have successfully completed:
- The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Finance.
- An Australian Bachelor Honours degree with a major in Finance or a cognate discipline.
Entry requirements
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Advanced standing
If you have completed an Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution, you will receive exemptions from the four business enabling courses.
Masters exemptions
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications you will be eligible for exemptions as detailed in the table below.
The masters exemptions listed indicate the maximum exemptions offered, including advanced standing and courses where content matches previous study.
| Qualification level | Masters exemptions offered | Remaining program duration* |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) - any discipline and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) - business-related discipline | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Bachelor degree (Honours) (AQF level 8) - business-related discipline | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline | Up to 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Master degree (AQF level 9) - business-related discipline | Up to 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full time study) |
* Duration indicated is the normal study duration; for some programs spring and summer semesters may be offered, reducing the study time.
If you have a major in a non-business discipline and do meet the management experience requirement, you will begin your studies at graduate certificate level. The graduate certificate provides an entry pathway that considers non-managerial work experience and tertiary studies other than in a business-related discipline.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Finance you will be admitted to the Master program, which requires the successful completion of further courses.
Credit
You may also be eligible for further credit. Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Exemptions from this program will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Fees
2022 indicative fees
Full-fee places: AU$37,440.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
Payments and refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2022 is $315.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$42,240.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$85,440 (full 2 year program plan MC201P15).
For students who meet the entry requirements for the 1.5 years program (program plan MC201EXE15), the total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$63,840.
If you do not meet the entry requirements, you will be offered a place in the full two year program.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.